Container suspension device

ABSTRACT

A device for suspending a container such as a beverage container from a dispenser includes a first portion having a pair of projections adapted to engage a support shoulder on the container, and a second portion adapted to engage the dispenser.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container suspension device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tools such as carrying handles and bottle carriers are commonly used to facilitate the carrying and transport of large bottles or other liquid containers by hand. Currently there are no devices to facilitate the support of a container while being filled from an apparatus such as an urn and the carrying of such container after filling.

Without support, a container, when filled from an apparatus such as an urn can become heavy and difficult to hold. Further, grasping of a container filled with hot liquids is generally difficult due to the hot surface. Losing hold of the container can result in spillage and burns. A device to facilitate the support of a container, especially one which is to be filled or has been filled with hot liquids, will permit the safe handling of such a container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for suspending a container from a dispenser.

In one aspect, the invention comprises of a device for suspending a container with a filling means and a support shoulder, from a dispenser, such as a beverage dispenser, having:

-   -   (a) a first portion comprising means for releasably engaging the         support shoulder of the container; and     -   (b) a second portion, connected to the first portion, for         releasably engaging the dispenser.

In one embodiment, the first portion comprises a pair of projections, defining a recess therebetween. The projections are adapted to fit under the support shoulder of a container. In one embodiment the pair of projections are in the form of U-shaped arms. In one embodiment, the second portion comprises a pair of hooks for engaging a dispenser. In one embodiment, a rigid handle portion is connected to the second portion for carrying the container when engaged to the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings. In the drawings, like elements are assigned like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention shown with the first portion engaging a container and the second portion engaging a dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for suspending a container to a dispenser. When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings. The following description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that are included in the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The present invention comprises a container suspending device (1) for use in filling containers with substances such as hot beverages. A typical-container has a spout and an enlarged body portion. The spout generally has one or more annular flanges situated close to the bottom of the spout and close to the top of the container. This annular flange may serve as a support shoulder (S).

The first portion (2) of the device comprises a means for releasably engaging a support shoulder (S) of a container. As depicted in the Figures, in one embodiment, the means for releasably engaging the support shoulder comprises a pair of curved projections (3), defining a U-shaped recess (4). In a preferred embodiment, the projections are adapted to fit under a flange of the spout, which would act as the support shoulder of the container. To engage the support shoulder to the first portion, it is necessary to slide the projections (3) under the support shoulder such that the projections (3) fit around the portion of the container under the support shoulder (S). This will help minimize any possibility of the container slipping off the device when being carried.

The second portion (5) of the device is adapted for releasably engaging a dispenser. In one embodiment, the second portion comprises a pair of arms (6) attached and extending upwards from opposite sides of the first portion (3), each arm defining a hook (7) for engaging the dispenser. These hooks may be inwardly extending or outwardly extending. In an alternative embodiment, the hooks may protrude laterally from the second portion of the device. As may be appreciated by one skilled in the art, many alternative configurations of the hooks may be possible while retaining the effective function of the device.

In one embodiment, as depicted in the Figures, the second portion comprises a frame (8) defining a central space (9) with inwardly extending hooks (7) for engaging the dispenser. As shown in FIG. 3, to engage the second portion to a dispenser, it is necessary to place the frame (8) over a support bracket of the dispenser, such that the support bracket extends through the central space of the second portion, and the hooks (7) are engaged to the support bracket. Prior to dispensing, the device should be positioned such that the filling means of the container engaged to the first portion is directly under the dispensing member of the dispenser. This will ensure that liquids are dispensed directly into the container and minimize any possibility of spillage.

The first portion is angled relative to the second portion, such that when the second portion is substantially vertical, the first portion is substantially horizontal. In one embodiment, the first and second portions form a right angle. The first portion may be angled such that the projections are angled slightly upwards when the device is positioned on a dispenser, which helps prevent the beverage container from sliding off the projections.

In a preferred embodiment, a rigid handle portion (10) is attached to the second portion for carrying the container while it is engaged to the device. As depicted in the Figures, each end of the rigid handle portion (10) connects to the upward pointing tips of each arm (6) of the second portion. In one embodiment, the rigid handle portion (10) defines a hand grip (11), which prevents slippage and provides comfort and protection to the user.

In one embodiment, the device is formed of a suitable material such as plastic, wood or metal. In a preferred embodiment, the device is formed of steel. 

1. A device for suspending a container having a filling means and a support shoulder, from a dispenser, said device comprising: (a) a first portion comprising a pair of projections for releasably engaging the support shoulder of the container; and (b) a second portion, connected to the first portion, for releasably engaging the dispenser.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the means for releasably engaging the support shoulder comprises at least one projection adapted to fit under the support shoulder of the container.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the pair of projections defines a U-shaped recess.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the second portion comprises a pair of arms attached to opposite sides of the first portion, each arm defining a hook for engaging the dispenser.
 5. The device of claims 4 wherein the hooks are inwardly extending, outwardly extending or laterally extending.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the second portion comprises a frame defining a central space.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the side members of second portion, forming part of the frame, defines inwardly extending hooks for engaging the dispenser.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein a handle portion is connected to the second portion.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the underside of the handle portion defines a hand grip.
 10. The device of claim 4 wherein a top member forming part of the frame comprises the handle portion. 